Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is a chronic, autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath, the protective covering around nerves. This damage can lead to progressive weakness and sensory loss in the arms and legs. CIDP is closely related to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), but CIDP symptoms persist for over eight weeks, unlike the usually self-limiting course of GBS.
Key features of CIDP:
Autoimmune: The immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath, leading to nerve damage.
Chronic: Symptoms persist for more than eight weeks and may worsen over time.
Demyelination: The myelin sheath is damaged, disrupting nerve signal transmission.
Progressive weakness: Muscle weakness and reduced sensation are common, affecting both arms and legs.
Symmetrical: Symptoms often affect both sides of the body equally.
Variable presentation: CIDP can be gradually progressive, stepwise progressive, or relapsing-remitting.
Common symptoms: Weakness, numbness, tingling, fatigue, and pain are common.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis can be challenging and requires a combination of clinical evaluation, nerve conduction studies, and potentially a nerve biopsy.